7 Steps To Maximize Your Renovation or New Build
Building a house or embarking on a major renovation is a significant undertaking. If you’re a project manager or building contractor in your day job, you’ll have a sense of what’s involved. For the rest of us, check out this seven-step checklist of the major milestones to take to see your project through from idea to reality.
1. Develop your ideas and set priorities
Maybe it’s finally time to create the kitchen you’ve dreamed of – or renovations may be in order to meet the needs of your growing family. Perhaps you’ve found the perfect lot and are building the home you’ve dreamed of for decades. Take the time to explore your options and determine what items and ideas are non negotiable and what are you willing to compromise on? Making a list of these items can help provide clarity and give a sense of the bigger picture while also encouraging your productivity to spark and discover more line items to add to your list.
2. Assemble your team
The success of your project comes down to your team, which could include a general contractor, architect, custom builder, interior designer and landscape designer. Ask friends and family for referrals, check out their websites and portfolios to see if you like their work and feel confident in their process. Narrow it down to a small few and set up meetings to determine which one is a good fit for your and your vision. At this stage in the process, contractors can usually provide a ballpark estimate of costs for the work you have in mind.
3. Have fun in the design process!
Your team will likely initially develop concept sketches so you can understand your options. This can be a really enjoyable stage as you begin seeing your ideas come to life through detailed drawings, 3D visualizations and plans. Depending on your team’s preferred approach, you may be making a lot of design decisions at this stage given that many items may need to be ordered well in advance.
4. Finalize the budget and timelines
Your contractors will provide a detailed cost estimate. It’s often a good idea to budget in a contingency factor of 15 to 20 percent so that you can accommodate potential cost overruns caused by supply chain issues, unexpected challenges during the renovation process and minor increases to project scope. Depending on how you are paying for your renovation or new build, you may need to talk with your banker about financing options. Your contractor can also advise about timelines. If you’re doing a major renovation, you will likely need to move out during the process. It’s important to factor those additional living expenses into your renovation budget as well.
5. Sign contracts and obtain permits
You’ll need to sign a contract with the general contractor and other members of your team. Make sure you understand all the details about responsibilities for hiring and supervising sub-contractors, obtaining permits and managing inspections, as well as change orders, warranties and payment terms.
6. Watch it all unfold
As the work gets underway, you may want to make some changes – whether that’s swapping in a different kind of lighting than you’d originally planned for or realizing that this is actually the best time to update the cabinetry in your powder room. Talk with your contractor if you want to make any changes to the project scope or the decisions you’ve made; some corrections are easy while others could require additional labor and material costs.
7. Enjoy what you’ve created
The end of a new build or renovation is akin to finishing the chapter to a great book. You’ve been able to start from beginning to end and watch the dynamic changes take place before your eyes transforming a house into a home or your visions for your new build into your new oasis.
Whether you’re moving into your newly completed home or using your new kitchen for the first time, pause and reflect on all the time, effort and creativity that has brought you to this moment. Take the time to properly celebrate everything you and your team have achieved together!
Featured Partners
ARG Contracting (Okanagan, BC)
Boston Design & Renovation (Bend, OR)
Caoba Doors (Palm Beach, FL)
Fords (Naples, FL)
Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe (Scottsdale, AZ)
Jesse J Contracting (Okanagan, BC)
Magpie Interiors (Okanagan, BC)
Pella Windows & Doors (National Partner)
Peppertree Kitchen & Bath (Park City, UT)
PBS Contractors (Naples, FL)
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